Going to a movie or out for dinner is a like plotting a major tactical undertaking. Not that such outings happen that much.

“It would really be nice if I could take my kids where they needed to go, instead of having to find them a ride,” Ryan said. “And when we do go somewhere, I have to pay four or five people (for gas) to get us all there.

“I have booster seats and car seats. It’s a lot.”

Ryan, is a 29-year-old single stay-at-home mother of five sons and five daughters, who range in age from 2 months to 13 years.

I always thought those sorry Lions needed to shoot themselves to end their misery and ours. But apparently somebody beat them to the punch. New York Giants wide receiver and former Michigan State standout Plaxico Burress was arrested this week for illegally possessing an unregistered firearm…but this was only after he accidentally shot himself in a nightclub. I think Giants coach Tom Caughlin might think twice about putting Plax in if they decide to run the shotgun offense. Egad. I tell you: the mix of i’gnant athletes/entertainers, tons of money, parties, and guns is a cocktail worthy of a good head shake.

This next one is not so much of a head shaking moment as it is a head scratcher. My approval rating for President-Elect Obama has dipped to around 87% after reading about some of the appointments he is attempting to push. Some have made sense, while others left my head clawed to death from my scratching (I guess it could be dandriff. But I think it’s more than that…). Not feelin’ Emanuel, though I can see why he was appointed to be Obama’s attack dog. I loved Obama’s appointment of Susan Rice, though I think she should’ve received the nod as Secretary of State. Hillary was a bizarre choice given that Obama was skewering her foreign policy credentials about six months ago. I like Eric Holder as AG. For that matter, I like anybody who’s not Gonzo. You could have taken any one of those reality court show clowns and had a smoother managed Justice Department. Just sayin’. I’m also happy to see Bill Richardson in the picture. True, he’s a former Clintonian but I think he fell out of favor with Bill and Co. when he endorsed Obama early in the game.

But Jim Ramstad as Drug Czar? Really? Sure he’s far more moderate on numerous issues than most Republicans. Yes, he’s a recovered alcoholic; and as far as I can tell, hasn’t had any involvement in drugs. But putting him at the helm of a unit overseeing policies related to drugs and illicit substances is pretty weird to me. Definitely a head shaker, scratcher, severer, and everything else.

Johnson’s idea is that his new venture would not license or acquire programs but would form partnerships with producers, who could buy blocks of airtime and sell their own advertising for a revenue split.

“The intent is to do something really innovative and not duplicate what I did at BET or even the traditional broadcast model,” said Johnson. “I don’t know if it will work, but I’m willing to give it a try.

For the love of all things sacred, let’s hope he tries a little harder with this project than he and his peeps did with BET Uncut.

The story: CNN’s fall from grace

Why is DL Hughley’s show still on the air? *Shakes my head*

That is all.

The story: The blackest of Fridays

The next two stories are somewhat connected. They’re also about a week old, but worth mentioning just in case you haven’t heard about them. The first involved a 34-year-old Walmart employee trampled to death by ig’nant shoppers stampeding in the doors. The other story involved a shooting in a Toys R’ Us; leaving two men dead.

Violence at any time is bad. But violence during the holiday season and over either cheap crap or pointless arguments make violence particularly head shaking.

The story: Only you can prevent adequate punishment

It was an accident. I get that. But the idiotic culprit responsible for starting the Yosemite Park wildfire which destroyed 30 homes and cost over $37 million in damages was sentenced with a $500 fine and 60 hours of community service. Yep. Not even a slap on the wrist. This is more like giving the guy a five minute Time Out.

A perennial head shaking moment.

The story: Geaux figure!

Recently indicted Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) lost his bid for re-election yesterday. This isn’t the headshaking moment in the least bit. I’m actually relieved that Louisiana voters finally got rid of this crook. Where the head shaking began was when I read that he only lost the contest by 3 points; 50-47%. Three frickin’ points! This means that out of every 100 voters in Louisiana, 47 of them said “I don’t care that he’s a criminal. He’s my criminal.” Sheesh.

I have just about had it with corrupt politicians, especially those of the Afro variety. I’m particularly fed up with the black electorate who keeps supporting these clowns. Kwame. Marion. Dollar Bill. Landford the Law Breaker. If Birmingham re-elects Mayor Larry Langford after his shennigans, I plan to drive to that city, go door-to-door, and personally smack each person who admits to voting for this clown.